Raiola says he didn't use homophobic slur

FILE - In this Nov. 24, 2011, file photo, Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola looks on during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

ALLEN PARK — Dominic Raiola said he didn’t know whether to laugh or get mad when he first heard reports about his interaction with the University of Wisconsin marching band on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

The Lions’ veteran center said the whole situation was blown out of proportion and that he did not use a homophobic slur.

“I don’t speak like that. I have a lot of respect for you know, I have family members that are homophobic (he was struggling for the right word and that wasn’t it), you know that are gay,’’ he said. “I have a lot of respect for them.

“I know it’s a different kind of band but I have people in bands I’m best friends with I have a lot of respect for that so I don’t know about all that,’’ Raiola said on Wednesday.

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“And my brother went to Wisconsin, maybe somebody said your brother is better than you I don’t know,’’ Raiola said.

He was accused of using profane and homophobic language in a blog after the game. Raiola called the band director and apologized on Tuesday along with making a “significant donation” to the band.

Raiola said he had no idea the banter would become a big deal.

“Not at all. I was actually laughing and joking with them at the end of the game, just talking, having a conversation,’’ Raiola said. “They were right behind our bench. I was actually having a conversation with them after the game. It was cool. I didn’t think twice about it. I was kind of surprised. I didn’t know whether to laugh or get mad when I saw it.’’

The Lions investigated the situation and did not fine him.

Now Raiola wants to put it behind him and concentrate on playing the Browns at Cleveland on Sunday.

Scheffler out with concussion

Tony Scheffler didn’t finish Sunday’s game at Green Bay after he took a hit to the head from Packers’ Jerron McMillan.

It was revealed on Wednesday’s injury report that Scheffler suffers from a concussion which is the third for the Detroit Lions’ tight end.

McMillan was fined $15,000 for the shoulder hit to the head of Scheffler, according to FOXSportsWisconsin.com. He was penalized for unnecessary roughness after the completed catch by Scheffler.

In his Monday press conference, coach Jim Schwartz was asked about Scheffler’s injury because he didn’t finish the game. Schwartz offered no specifics, but said he could have re-entered the game. It’s not uncommon for concussion symptoms to show up hours or days after a hit.

It’s the second fine for the Packers’ safety who is in his second NFL season. He will appeal.

He was fined $21,000 last season for a late hit per the same web site.

Calvin Johnson still out

Calvin Johnson, who missed Sunday’s game with an injured left knee, did not practice with the Lions on Wednesday. It’s uncertain if he’ll be ready to play on Sunday.

“He’s doing a little bit better every day,’’ Schwartz said. “He got out on the practice field a little bit last week, but wasn’t able to go. Last year he dealt with a lot of things and was able to be productive on a Sunday. If he can this Sunday, we’ll get him back out there. We probably won’t make that determination until later in the week whether he is going play.’’

Even if he’s unable to practice all week, there’s a chance he could play. It could be a game-time decision.

Ins and outs

Along with Johnson and Scheffler, also missing from Wednesday’s practice were: right tackle Jason Fox, who injured his knee during the game Sunday; running back Theo Riddick who suffered a concussion; cornerback Chris Houston who played 100 percent of the snaps but was questionable before the game with a hamstring; and safety Louis Delmas who rarely practices with his bad knee.

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